From Lucky to Lakshman: Zomato’s Style Twist

Zomato has launched a new campaign titled “District by Zomato”, and its latest ad-film features Bollywood actor Zayed Khan. The creative playfully references a famous scene from Main Hoon Na, where Zayed’s character Lucky shaves his head, symbolizing transformation. Here, the transformation motif is used to highlight Zomato’s expansion into premium salon services.

The Creative Hook: From Lucky to Lakshman

The ad uses cheeky nostalgia and cinematic callbacks, invoking the memorable moment when “Lucky” becomes more responsible and earnest by shedding his rebellion (and his hair). Zomato reimagines this transformation as “Lucky to Lakshman,” a playful shift—Lakshman being a more grounded, style-conscious figure. The haircut symbolizes a move toward sophistication, aligning with the brand’s push for more premium, curated experiences beyond just food delivery.

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Why the Salon Push?

The tone of the ad is witty, cheeky, and culturally aware. By using humor and a well-known Bollywood reference, Zomato hopes to establish emotional resonance and ensure recall. The film also leans into style reinvention—not just physical appearance, but the idea of upgrading one’s choices. It suggests that just as Lucky changed, customers can “upgrade” their grooming and style with District salons.

Potential Reach and Audience Positioning

The campaign presumably targets millennials and Gen Z who are both cinema literate (recognise the Main Hoon Na reference) and interested in lifestyle upgrades. Also, those who have used Zomato before for food may now be compelled to try its “District” vertical for lifestyle/grooming. The premium salon offering will attract those willing to pay more for service, ambiance, quality, and brand perception rather than lowest price.

What It Says About Zomato’s Strategy Moving Forward

This is another example of how Zomato is trying to diversify its business model. By introducing “District by Zomato,” the company is expanding its footprint into experience-led verticals, not just delivery or food services. It illustrates a trend among tech-platforms to become super-apps: offering food, mobility, entertainment, shopping, beauty, etc., under one roof.

Also, this move reflects confidence in their brand equity—using a known actor, culturally relevant references, and visible transformations to highlight what might otherwise be a dry proposition (salon services). It signals that Zomato believes there is value not just in expanding services, but doing so with flair, personality, and creative risk.